TRAUMATIC INJURY OF THE ILIOPSOAS MUSCLE IN 3 DOGS

Three dogs with injuries of the iliopsoas muscle were examined. All do gs had a history of trauma. On physical examination, discomfort on hyp erextension of the hip joints was detected. Palpation and stretching o f the affected muscle by simultaneous internal rotation and extension of the hip joint elicited signs of pain. Abnormalities were not detect ed on pelvic radiography. On the basis of clinical signs and lack of r adiographic abnormalities, a presumptive diagnosis of a strain injury of the iliopsoas muscle was made. Ultrasonography confirmed the presum ptive diagnosis and provided further information about the location an d extent of the injury. Traumatic injury to the iliopsoas muscle shoul d be included as a differential diagnosis for lameness of the pelvic l imb in dogs, and ultrasonography can be of value in the diagnosis of m uscle injuries in dogs.